Interconnected active ingredient containing pouches

ABSTRACT

An active ingredient-containing product suitable for the release of an active ingredient comprising an outer water-permeable pouch chamber containing an active ingredient-containing composition is disclosed. In the product, said pouch chamber is interconnected to another pouch chamber containing the same or another composition, thereby resulting in at least two interconnected pouch chambers each comprising a composition and wherein a separation section separates one pouch chamber from another. Each pouch chamber has a length of from about 1 mm to about 40 mm and a width of no greater than about 10 mm.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to interconnected pouches comprising anactive ingredient containing composition.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Buccal administration is a well-known technique for the administrationof pharmacologically active ingredients, especially nicotine andnicotine-like stimulants. Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) is amedically-approved way to take nicotine as a method to quit smoking.Known ways of administering NRT are for example by means of nicotinepatches, nicotine lozenges, or nicotine pouches similar to snus pouches,adapted to be placed between the gum and the upper lip. Thereby,nicotine contained in said pouches may be absorbed by the user throughthe oral mucosa. The amount of nicotine in each NRT pouch is oftenrelatively low compared with the nicotine content of tobacco productssuch as snus. A similar product is pouches/sachets containing snus, away to consume tobacco without burning said tobacco. Snus is atraditional Swedish product being a moist mixture of tobacco that ismostly placed between the gum and the upper lip. Thereby, nicotinecontained in said snus may be absorbed by the user through the oralmucosa. Thus, snus is a way to absorb nicotine without the inhalation ofsmoke. Another similar format is pouches/sachets containing nicotinewithout tobacco and without medical approval, sometimes named nicopods.The nicopods are mostly placed between the gum and the upper lip.Thereby, nicotine contained in said snus may be absorbed by the userthrough the oral mucosa. The term nicotine-containing product is usedherein to collectively describe all different formats.

Those only wishing to consume a small quantity of nicotine can do thatby using one nicotine-containing product while others preferring largerportions could consume two or more nicotine containing products at thesame time to achieve the desired effect.

The same reasoning applies to a large range of other active ingredientssuitable for buccal administration, e.g. medicinal products, and alsonicotine-free tobacco substitutes that act by replacing the sensation ofnicotine and tobacco through the addition of other components in a pouchformat.

The problem of having two or more pouches in the mouth at the same timeis that they can be difficult to keep in place. The consumer would bebenefited by a stable placement of the pouches underneath the lip asthis concentrates the composition to one place and prevents dilutionand/or swallowing.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The object of the invention is to solve some of the above-mentionedproblems. According to a broad aspect of the invention, an activeingredient-containing product suitable for the release of an activeingredient comprising an outer water-permeable pouch chamber containingan active ingredient-containing composition is disclosed. The product ischaracterised in that said pouch chamber is interconnected to anotherpouch chamber containing the same or another composition, therebyresulting in at least two interconnected pouch chambers each comprisinga composition and wherein a separation section separates one pouchchamber from another.

It is to be understood that this invention is not limited to theparticular configurations, process steps, and materials disclosed hereinas such configurations, process steps, and materials may vary somewhat.It is also to be understood that the terminology employed herein is usedfor the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is notintended to be limiting since the scope of the present invention will belimited only by the appended claims and equivalents thereof.

It must be noted that, as used in this specification and the claims, thesingular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural referents unless thecontext clearly dictates other-wise.

In this specification, unless otherwise stated, the term “about”modifying the quantity of an ingredient in the activeingredient-containing product or composition or package of the inventionor employed in the methods of the invention refers to variation in thenumerical quantity that can occur, for example, through typicalmeasuring and liquid handling procedures used for making concentrates oruse solutions in the real world; through inadvertent error in theseprocedures; through differences in the manufacture, source, or purity ofthe ingredients employed to make the active ingredient-containingproducts or compositions, or to carry out the methods; and the like. Theterm “about” also encompasses amounts that differ due to differentequilibrium conditions for a composition resulting from a particularinitial mixture. Whether or not modified by the term “about”, the claimsinclude equivalents to the quantities.

The ranges provided herein provide preferred amounts of each of thecomponents. Each of these ranges may be taken alone or combined with oneor more other component ranges to provide a preferred aspect of theinvention.

According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided an activeingredient-containing product suitable for the release of an activeingredient, said active ingredient-containing product comprising anouter water-permeable pouch chamber containing an activeingredient-containing composition; wherein said pouch chamber isinterconnected to another pouch chamber containing the same or anothercomposition, thereby resulting in at least two interconnected pouchchambers each comprising a composition and

wherein a separation section separates one pouch chamber from another,wherein each pouch chamber has a length of from about 1 mm to about 40mm and a width of no greater than about 10 mm.

By an active ingredient-containing product is meant a product containingone or more active ingredients. Active ingredients are characterised byhaving a pharmacological effect and may include nicotine, nicotine salts(e.g. nicotine ditartrate/nicotine bitartrate), nicotine-free tobaccosubstitutes, other alkaloids such as caffeine, medicinal products, oressential nutrients. Medicinal products may include painkillers, allergyalleviating substances, or substances to treat motion sickness.Essential nutrients may include vitamins and/or minerals. Common forthese types of active ingredients are their ability to be absorbedthrough the oral mucosa/gums or their ability to be dissolved in aliquid, e.g. water or have a local effect or sensation, such asnicotine-free tobacco substitutes. The active ingredient is contained inan active ingredient-containing composition. Thus, said activeingredient-containing composition is embodied in the activeingredient-containing product. When using nicotine for the activeingredient, said nicotine may be contained as part of nicotinereplacement therapy (NRT), tobacco snus, or tobacco free nicotineproducts without medical approval. In case of using nicotine being partof NRT, the product may be considered a nicotine-containingpharmaceutical product. Likewise, in general, the activeingredient-containing product may be considered a nicotine-containingproduct when used with nicotine. NRT is a medically-approved way to takenicotine by means other than tobacco. It is used to help with quittingsmoking. Thus, the active ingredient-containing product according to theinvention may be used with a NRT composition, with tobacco,nicotine-free tobacco substitutes and with tobacco free nicotine.Further, the active ingredient-containing product may be used formedicinal purposes when used with medicinal substances, e.g.painkillers.

In some embodiments, the active ingredient containing product comprisesan active-ingredient containing composition that comprises nicotine or anicotine-free tobacco substitute. The nicotine may be contained as partof nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), tobacco snus, or tobacco freenicotine products without medical approval. In case of using nicotinebeing part of NRT, the product may be considered a nicotine-containingpharmaceutical product. Likewise, in general, the activeingredient-containing product may be considered a nicotine-containingproduct when used with nicotine. NRT is a medically-approved way to takenicotine by means other than tobacco. It is used to help with quittingsmoking. Thus, the active ingredient-containing product according to theinvention may be used with a NRT composition, with tobacco,nicotine-free tobacco substitutes and with tobacco-free nicotine. Theactive ingredient-containing product may thus be a nicotine-containingproduct or a nicotine-free tobacco substitute product.

By a product being suitable for the release of active ingredients ismeant a product allowing such active ingredients to be contained, yetfree to be released through/across such accommodation. For example, theproduct may be suitable for buccal administration, i.e. the product isconfigured for insertion in the mouth of a user, i.e. a product havingdimensions making it possible to insert and accommodate said product inthe mouth, preferably between the gum and the upper lip. For example,each pouch chamber according to the invention may have dimensions on theorder of 1-4 cm. For example, each pouch chamber may have a length ofmore than 3 cm, e.g. 3.5 cm or 4 cm.

Each pouch chamber may have a length of from about 1 mm to about 40 mmand a width of no greater than about 10 mm. In some embodiments, eachpouch chamber may have a width of less than about 10 mm. In someembodiments, each pouch chamber may have a width of from about 1 mm toabout 10 mm, such as a width of from about 3 mm to about 10 mm, such asa width of from about 3 mm to about 9.5 mm, such as a width of fromabout 3 mm to about 9 mm, such as a width of from about 5 mm to about 9mm, such as a width of from about 5 mm to about 7 mm. In someembodiments, each pouch chamber may have a width of from about 7 mm toabout 9 mm.

In some embodiments, each pouch chamber may have a length of from about20 mm to about 40 mm and a width of no greater than about 10 mm. In someembodiments, each pouch chamber may have a length of from about 25 mm toabout 40 mm and a width of no greater than about 10 mm.

In some embodiments, the ratio of length to width of each pouch chamberis from about 3 to about 6, such as from about 3 to about 5, such asfrom about 3.5 to about 4.5.

In some embodiments, the thickness of each pouch chamber may be fromabout 2 mm to about 8 mm, such as from about 3 mm to about 7 mm, such asfrom about 4 mm to about 6 mm. In some embodiments, the thickness ofeach pouch chamber may be from about 2 mm to about 3 mm. The thicknessof each pouch chamber may also be referred to as the “height” of thechamber, and is the dimension in a direction perpendicular to the widthof the pouch chamber. The thickness may be measured as the height of thepouch chamber (in a non-compressed state) at the centre of the length ofthe pouch chamber, i.e. at half the maximum length of the pouch chamber.

Likewise, the product may be suitable for immersion in liquid, wherebyit is meant that the design and material choice of the product allow forsuch immersion, and where the active ingredient-containing compositionis contained within the disclosed water-permeable pouch chamber. Hence,the active ingredient may be allowed to dissolve in or to be releasedinto said liquid. The liquid may be water. Thus, the product mayresemble a tea bag. Thus, the product allows for containing an activeingredient-containing composition, which may pass through the disclosedwater-permeable pouch to be dissolved by liquid, e.g. saliva of themouth in buccal administration or water in a glass during immersion. Inother words, the product is suitable for containing an at least partlydissolvable composition, where components of said composition may passthrough the water-permeable pouch chamber.

By a water-permeable pouch chamber is meant a pouch chamber comprisingwalls made of a water-permeable material, e.g. a textile or paper-likemembrane. During use, due to the generation and presence of saliva (afluid high in water) in the mouth, the pouch chamber is soaked overtime, accelerating the release of components of the compositioncontained in said pouch chamber. Likewise, if immersing the product in aliquid, the release of components is likewise accelerated. During themanufacturing process, the active ingredient-containing composition isdisposed within each pouch, whereupon said pouch is sealed, such that achamber containing said active ingredient-containing composition isformed.

By the pouch chamber being interconnected to another pouch chamber ismeant that at least two pouch chambers are connected. By means of thedisclosed separation section, said pouch chambers are physicallyconnected, but the content of the first pouch chamber is not in contactwith the content of the second pouch chamber. Rather, the pouch chambersare connected by means of a section made of the water-permeablematerial, where said section may be made by means of welding saidmaterial together. In other words, the content of the first pouchchamber is not in communication with the content of the second pouchchamber.

In some embodiments, the pouch chambers may be connected by means of asection made of the water-permeable material. In some embodiment, theseparation section may be made by means of welding said materialtogether.

Preferably, more than two pouches chambers are interconnected. Forexample, 10, 15, or 20 pouch chambers may be interconnected by means ofa separation section according to the invention. The pouch chamber isreferred to as a pouch for the remaining part of this document. Due tothe separation section, the product may attain an uneven thickness(thickness variation), which, in combination with its flexibility,improves the ease of accommodation under the lip, as said lip adapts tothe thickness variation, thereby holding the product in place betterthan what may be experienced in products not comprising such aseparation section.

Thereby, the user may more easily dispense the amount of the activeingredient-containing composition. For example, each of the pouches maycontain an amount of active ingredient-containing composition notfulfilling the needs of most users, but due to said pouches beinginterconnected, the user may choose to tear off/detach two or more ofsaid pouches, such that said user reaches his/her desired amount. Suchcustomisation is particularly relevant for use with nicotine-containingcompositions, where the needs are highly individual for each user. Thus,each of said pouches may be relatively small, which would be unpleasantto store in the mouth due to the risk of loss, but due to the provisionof interconnected pouches, the product is more easily handled in themouth. For example, most users may dispense two or three pouches at atime in order to fulfil his/her needs, whereby the pouches become easierto control in the mouth, due to their interconnected nature. Likewise,for immersion in a liquid, prompting the release of the activeingredient into said liquid, the user may easily adjust the amount bytearing off the desired number of pouches, which are thereby stillinterconnected, easing the handling.

Therefore, in some embodiments, the separation section is made of thewater-permeable material and each pouch chamber may have a length offrom about 1 mm to about 40 mm and a width of no greater than about 10mm, such as a length of from about 1 mm to about 40 mm and a width offrom about 3 mm to about 10 mm.

Further, the storing of the product in a container is eased, which inturn provides an enhanced aesthetical/visual impression, due to saidpouches being interconnected. Further, the product according to theinvention allows for the use of smaller storing containers, since thepackaging procedure may be optimised and due to the pouches behaving ina predictable manner during packaging due to their interconnectednature.

Further, the product may be less appealing to children, since thepouches are interconnected in a large row or array according to theinvention, which does not readily express a product intended for oraluse or individual use in general.

In an embodiment, the product may comprise at least three pouch chambersand wherein opposing sides of one pouch chamber are connected to twoother pouch chambers on opposing sides.

By opposing sides, it is understood that said pouches may be polygonallyshaped, e.g. Rectangular. Thereby, the product may resemble a row orchain of interconnected pouches. Said row may comprise more than threepouches, e.g. 10, 15 or 20 pouches being interconnected. During apackaging process, using interconnected pouches allows for using lengthas a determining factor when determining the number of pouches to gointo each package. Using length as the determining factor, e.g. insteadof counting or mass, may be easier in certain configurations of thepackaging machinery. For example, using length is easier than tointegrate a scale for measuring the mass of the pouches in each package.

In an embodiment, the product may comprise at least three pouch chambersand wherein neighbouring sides of one pouch chamber are connected to twoother pouch chambers on neighbouring sides.

In some embodiments, the product comprises at least three pouchchambers, wherein two neighbouring sides of one pouch chamber are eachconnected to distinct pouch chambers. In some embodiments, the productcomprises at least four pouch chambers, wherein three neighbouring sidesof on pouch chamber are connected to three other pouch chambers.

Thereby, the product may form an array of interconnected pouch chambers.Such array of pouch chambers may allow for certain advantages in thepackaging procedure, including space optimisation and aestheticalfeatures. The area or dimensions of the array may be used to determinethe number of pouches, such that the packaging procedure may beoptimised. The array may be considered a two-dimensional sheet ofpouches being interconnected.

In an embodiment, the separation section may comprise a separation line.By a separation line is meant a line easing the detachment of one pouchchamber from another. Preferably, the separation line is of a strengthsuch that one pouch chamber is not detached from another during use. Oneshould bear in mind that the strength may decrease once thewater-permeable material used to form the pouch, and thereby theseparation section, is soaked with liquid/saliva.

In an embodiment, the separation line may comprise a row of perforationsor holes enabling detachment of the one pouch chamber form the otherpouch chamber by ripping. In an embodiment, the separation line maycomprise a row of perforations or holes enabling detachment of the onepouch chamber form the other pouch chamber by ripping, tearing orcutting.

Thereby, a convenient and easy-to-use separation line may be employed.

In an embodiment, the separation section may be made by welding oppositepouch surfaces together, whereby the separation section is a weldingsection between neighbouring pouch chambers.

The pouches may be made from a long tube of the desired water-permeablematerial, where sidewalls of said tube are welded together, in a waysuch that no active ingredient-containing composition is arranged withinthe formed welding section. Instead, the welding section ensures thatsaid active ingredient-containing composition is contained within theindividual pouch chambers defined by said welding section and thesidewalls.

In an embodiment, the welding section may be shaped ensuring anefficient separation and minimizing the area of the separation section.

For example, the welding section may be curved, which may ease theprocess of detaching the interconnected pouches from each other.Alternatively, the welding section may have a width being smaller than awidth of each pouch, such that the user does not need to tear a greatdistance. Such shape reduces the amount of material used.

In an embodiment, the at least two interconnected pouch chambers maycomprise a first and a second composition, respectively, wherein saidfirst composition is different from said second composition. In someembodiments, at least one of the first and second compositions comprisesnicotine or a nicotine-free tobacco substitute.

In other words, the first pouch may comprise a first composition,whereas the second pouch may comprise a second composition beingdifferent from the first composition.

Thereby, the user is capable of mixing the pouches he/she inserts intothe mouth/immerses in liquid, while keeping said pouches interconnected,such that they are more easily accommodated in said mouth/liquid. Adivision of the content within each of said the pouches may bebeneficial in case said content is not suitable for mixing prior to use,or if the user wants to control what combinations he/she wants.

In some embodiments, at least one of the active ingredient-containingcompositions comprises a flavouring agent. For example, the flavouringagent may be included in the same active ingredient-containingcomposition as the nicotine and/or tobacco substitute.

Alternatively, the first active ingredient-containing composition maycomprise nicotine and/or tobacco substitute, and the second activeingredient-containing composition may comprise the flavouring agent.

In an embodiment, the first composition may be a flavour composition. Asused herein, the terms “flavour” and “flavourant” refer to materialswhich, where local regulations permit, may be used to create a desiredtaste or aroma in a product for adult consumers. They may includeextracts (e.g., licorice, hydrangea, Japanese white bark magnolia leaf,chamomile, fenugreek, clove, menthol, Japanese mint, aniseed, cinnamon,herb, wintergreen, cherry, berry, peach, apple, Drambuie, bourbon,scotch, whiskey, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, cardamom, celery,cascarilla, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, honey essence, roseoil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, cassia, caraway, cognac, jasmine,ylang-ylang, sage, fennel, piment, ginger, anise, coriander, coffee, ora mint oil from any species of the genus Mentha), flavour enhancers,bitterness receptor site blockers, sensorial receptor site activators orstimulators, sugars and/or sugar substitutes (e.g., sucralose,acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharine, cyclamates, lactose,sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, or mannitol), and other additivessuch as charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, botanicals, or breathfreshening agents. They may be imitation, synthetic or naturalingredients or blends thereof. They may be in any suitable form, forexample, oil, liquid, or powder.

Alternatively, the first composition may be a mixture of a flavourcomposition and an active ingredient-containing composition, such thatsaid first composition provides a flavour, on the cost of a reducedamount of the active ingredient-containing composition. Said reducedamount may be compensated by a non-flavoured second compositioncomprising the pure active ingredient-containing composition. Since theuser is capable of dispensing/inserting two interconnected pouches at atime, the ease of use is enhanced.

Thereby, the first composition may be suitable for adding a flavour tothe experience of the product.

In an embodiment, the product may comprise at least 10 interconnectedpouch chambers comprising said first and second interconnected pouches.

Thereby, the product comprises multiple interconnected pouches, e.g.arranged in a row or in an array. Such multiple interconnected pouchesmay more easily be arranged in a package/container, such that the sizeof said package/container may be reduced. Likewise, the packagingprocedure may be sped up due to the pouches being interconnected and assuch behave predictably. Finally, length or area may be used instead ofmass or counting when determining the number of pouches during thepackaging process.

In an embodiment, the active ingredient-containing composition maycomprise nicotine.

In some embodiments in which there are two interconnected pouch chambersthat comprise first and second compositions, at least one of the firstand second compositions may comprise nicotine.

The nicotine may be embodied as NRT, snus, various form of tobacco,tobacco-free nicotine products or nicotine salts. Thereby, the activeingredient-containing composition may be considered anicotine-containing composition. In some embodiments, the at least oneof the first and second compositions may be considered to be anicotine-containing composition. A product comprising such anicotine-containing composition may be beneficial within the field ofnicotine consumption, e.g. by providing additional consumption optionsto the users.

In some embodiments, the active ingredient-containing compositioncomprises tobacco. In some embodiments in which there are twointerconnected pouch chambers that comprise first and secondcompositions, at least one of the first and second compositions maycomprise tobacco. As such, in some embodiments, the activeingredient-containing composition is a “smokeless oral tobacco product”.“Tobacco” as used herein includes any part, such as the leaves, flowers,or stems, of any member of the genus Nicotiana and reconstitutedmaterials thereof. In some embodiments, it includes treated tobacco. Insome embodiments, it includes derivatives such as specific compoundsfound in natural tobacco, such as nicotine, whether extract orsynthesized, as well as structural derivatives such as the fibrousportion of a tobacco leaf. The term “tobacco” as used herein includestobacco extract.

When the tobacco comprises plant material, defined amounts of thedifferent parts of the plant may be used. For example, the amount ofstem in the tobacco blend may be up to 50%, up to 60%, or up to 70% byweight of the tobacco. In some embodiments, the amount of stem in thetobacco is from 5% to 70% by weight of the tobacco, such as from 10% to65% by weight of the tobacco, such as from 15% to 65% by weight of thetobacco, such as from 20% to 60% by weight of the tobacco, such as from25% to 55% by weight of the tobacco, such as from 30% to 50% by weightof the tobacco.

Tobaccos used in the present invention may include types of tobaccossuch as dark air-cured tobacco, flue-cured tobacco, Burley tobacco,Oriental tobacco, Maryland tobacco, dark tobacco, dark-fired tobacco andRustica tobaccos, as well as other rare or specialty tobaccos.

The tobacco may be whole, shredded, threshed, cut, ground, cured, aged,fermented, or otherwise treated (e.g. granulated or encapsulated). Insome embodiments, the tobacco is ground tobacco and/or is in particulateform. In some embodiments, the tobacco is in the form of strands or cutlamina.

In some embodiments, the tobacco may be snuff in dry or moist form.“Snuff” is used herein to generally describe a class of smokelesstobacco product which typically comprises cured tobacco which has beendried and ground to have mass median particle size measured by sieveanalysis of between 0.01 and 5 mm, such as between 0.01 and 3 mm, suchas between 0.01 and 1.0 mm.

In some embodiments, the tobacco may be dry snuff. In some embodiments,the moisture content of the tobacco is less than 16% by weight of thetotal smokeless oral tobacco product, such as less than 12% by weight ofthe total active ingredient-containing product, such as less than 10% byweight of the total active ingredient-containing product, such as lessthan 5% by weight of the total active ingredient-containing product,such as less than 3% by weight of the total active ingredient-containingproduct, such as less than 2% by weight of the activeingredient-containing product, such as less than 1% by weight of thetotal active ingredient-containing product.

In some embodiments, some or all of the tobacco is in moist form. Themoist tobacco may be in any form that is suitable for incorporation intoa smokeless oral tobacco product. In some embodiments, the moist tobaccocomprises moist snuff.

In some embodiments, the moist snuff comprises Swedish-style snuff,which may also be referred to as snus-style tobacco or snus. In someembodiments, the moist snuff is Swedish-style snuff (snus). Snus is amoist powder tobacco product originating from a variant of dry snuff. Asused herein, snus is an oral tobacco product which is not fermented, butis rather heat-treated, such as by pasteurisation. Snus is typicallyused by placing it under the upper lip for extended periods of time.

In some embodiments, the moisture content of the tobacco is at least 20%by weight of the total active ingredient-containing composition, such asat least 25% by weight of the active ingredient-containing composition,such as at least 30% by weight of the active ingredient-containingcomposition, such as at least 35% by weight of the activeingredient-containing composition, such as at least 40% by weight of theactive ingredient-containing composition, such as at least 45% by weightof the active ingredient-containing composition, such as at least 50% byweight of the active ingredient-containing composition, such as at least60% by weight of the active ingredient-containing composition. In someembodiments, the moisture content of the tobacco is from about 20% toabout 60% by weight of the active-ingredient containing composition. Asused herein, the term “moisture content” refers to the total amount ofoven volatiles ingredients, such as water and other oven volatiles (e.g.propylene glycol) in the composition or product referred to.

In embodiments in which the active ingredient-containing productcomprises snus, the snus may comprise salt and/or other flavourants.Alternatively, or in addition, the snus may be pasteurised or mayundergo a process similar to pasteurisation and may optionally bematured, to reach the desired pH and/or moisture content of the snus.

Methods and apparatus suitable for pasteurisation and maturation areknown to the person skilled in the art.

In some embodiments, the active ingredient-containing compositioncomprises a tobacco composition comprising tobacco (e.g. ground or cuttobacco), water, salt (e.g. sodium chloride, potassium chloride,magnesium chloride, calcium chloride, or mixtures thereof), pH adjuster,and optionally one or more flavouring agents, cooling agents, heatingagents, sweetening agents, colouring agents, humectants, preservatives,binders, fillers, or mixtures thereof.

Alternatively or in addition, the moist snuff may be in the form ofdipping tobacco. In embodiments in which the activeingredient-containing product comprises dipping tobacco, the dippingtobacco may be treated by fermentation or may undergo a process similarto fermentation and may optionally undergo one or more further processessuch as aging. Methods and apparatus suitable for the treatment ofdipping tobacco are known to the person skilled in the art.

Alternatively or in addition, the tobacco may be in the form of US moistsnuff and/or chewing tobacco.

The amount of tobacco within the active-ingredient containing productmay vary. In some embodiments, the amount of tobacco within the activeingredient-containing product is at least about 5% by weight of theactive ingredient-containing product, such as at least about 10% byweight of the active ingredient-containing product, such as at leastabout 15% by weight of the active ingredient-containing product, such asat least about 20% by weight of the active ingredient-containingproduct, such as at least about 25% by weight of the activeingredient-containing product, such as at least about 30% by weight ofthe active ingredient-containing product, such as at least about 40% byweight of the active ingredient-containing product, such as at leastabout 50% by weight of the active ingredient-containing product, such asat least about 55% by weight of the active ingredient-containingproduct, such as at least about 60% by weight of the activeingredient-containing product.

In some embodiments, the amount of tobacco within the activeingredient-containing product is no greater than about 90% by weight ofthe active ingredient-containing product, such as no greater than about85% by weight of the active ingredient-containing product, such as nogreater than about 80% by weight of the active ingredient-containingproduct, such as no greater than about 75% by weight of the activeingredient-containing product, such as no greater than about 70% byweight of the active ingredient-containing product.

In some embodiments, the amount of tobacco within the activeingredient-containing product is between about 20% and 90% by weight ofthe active ingredient-containing product, such as between 20% and 85% byweight of the active ingredient-containing product, such as betweenabout 20% and 80% by weight of the active ingredient-containing product,such as between about 20% and 75% by weight of the activeingredient-containing product, such as between about 20% and 70% byweight of the active ingredient-containing product, such as betweenabout 20% and 65% by weight of the active ingredient-containing product,such as between about 20% and 60% by weight of the activeingredient-containing product, such as between about 25% and 60% byweight of the active ingredient-containing product, such as betweenabout 30% and 60% by weight of the active ingredient-containing product,such as between about 35% and 60% by weight of the activeingredient-containing product.

In an embodiment, the active ingredient-containing composition maycomprise a nicotine-free tobacco substitute.

In some embodiments in which there are two interconnected pouch chambersthat comprise first and second compositions, at least one of the firstand second compositions may comprise a nicotine-free tobacco substitute.The term “tobacco substitute” as used herein includes tobaccosubstitutes which comprise individual chemicals and/or complex chemicalentities which, when appropriately prepared, physically resemble naturaltobacco. Alternatively or in addition, the term “tobacco substitute” asused herein includes materials which provide a similar mouthfeel totobacco and deliver local and/or pharmacological sensations provided bytobacco.

By a nicotine-free tobacco substitute is meant a composition beingnicotine-free, yet providing certain active ingredients that result inthe local and/or pharmacological sensations provided by tobacco. Forexample, the tobacco substitute may comprise a blend of select naturalproducts, e.g. nicotine-free plant material.

In some embodiments, the active ingredient-containing compositioncomprises a nicotine-free tobacco substitute, wherein the nicotine-freetobacco substitute comprises non-tobacco plant material, salt (e.g.sodium chloride, potassium chloride, magnesium chloride, calciumchloride, or mixtures thereof), pH adjuster, and optionally one or moreflavouring agents, cooling agents, heating agents, sweetening agents,colouring agents, humectants, preservatives, binders, fillers, ormixtures thereof.

In some embodiments, the tobacco substitute comprises non-tobacco plantmaterial. Examples of non-tobacco plant material used in the tobaccosubstitute are dietary plant fibres such as maize fibres, oat fibres,tomato fibres, barley fibres, rye fibres, sugar beet fibres, buck wheatfibres, potato fibres, apple fibres, cocoa fibres, bamboo fibres, citrusfibres, and combinations thereof.

Thereby, the user may choose to consume a tobacco-like compositionwithout the consumption of nicotine.

In an embodiment, the active ingredient-containing composition maycomprise a medicament.

In some embodiments, the medicament may be included in the same activeingredient-containing composition as nicotine and/or tobacco substitute.Alternatively, a first active ingredient-containing composition in onepouch chamber may comprise nicotine and/or tobacco substitute, and asecond active ingredient-containing composition in a second pouchchamber may comprise the medicament.

By a medicament is meant a substance providing an alleviation orprevention of symptoms or providing a treatment of a disease. Themedicament may be intended for absorption through the mucosa/gum, i.e.suitable for buccal administration through a product according to theinvention, or the medicament may be intended for dissolving in a liquid,i.e. suitable for immersion through a product according to theinvention. An effervescent effect may be added to the composition.

Thereby, the user may easily be treated for a relevant disease oralleviated from a relevant symptom by use of a product according to theinvention comprising such relevant medicament.

In some embodiments, the medicament may be paracetamol.

In an embodiment, the active ingredient-containing composition maycomprise an essential nutrient. In some embodiments, the essentialnutrient may be included in the same active ingredient-containingcomposition as nicotine and/or tobacco substitute. Alternatively, afirst active ingredient-containing composition in one pouch chamber maycomprise nicotine and/or tobacco substitute, and a second activeingredient-containing composition in a second pouch chamber may comprisethe essential nutrient.

By an essential nutrient is meant vitamins or minerals.

Thereby, the user may easily consume such essential nutrient, either byimmersion the product according to the invention in a liquid, wherebysaid nutrient is released into said liquid, or through buccaladministration. In the former case, a disintegrating pouch may be used.An effervescent effect may be added to the composition.

In an embodiment, the active ingredient-containing composition maycomprise an alkaloid. In some embodiments, the alkaloid may be includedin the same active ingredient-containing composition as nicotine and/ortobacco substitute. Alternatively, a first active ingredient-containingcomposition in one pouch chamber may comprise nicotine and/or tobaccosubstitute, and a second active ingredient-containing composition in asecond pouch chamber may comprise the alkaloid.

By alkaloids are meant plant derived components with pharmacologicaleffects—for example caffeine.

Thereby, the user may easily consume such alkaloid, either by immersionthe product according to the invention in a liquid, whereby saidnutrient is released into said liquid, or through buccal administration.In the former case, a disintegrating pouch may be used. An effervescenteffect may be added to the composition.

In some embodiments, the active ingredient may be selected from thegroup consisting of active pharmaceutical substances, food additives,natural medicaments, or naturally occurring substances that can have aneffect on humans. In some embodiments, the active ingredient may beselected from the group consisting of caffeine, nicotine, vitamin B12,vitamin C, vitamin E, bioperin, Q10, selenium, glutathione, liponicacid, folic acid, ginseng, pollen extract, antioxidants, minerals,paracetamol, acetylsalicylic acid, Russian root and rose root.

In some embodiments, the active ingredient may be selected from thegroup consisting of nicotine, cannabis, a cannabinoid or mixturesthereof. Cannabinoids are a class of natural or synthetic chemicalcompounds which act on cannabinoid receptors (i.e., CB1 and CB2) incells that repress neurotransmitter re-lease in the brain. Two of themost important cannabinoids are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) andcannabidiol (CBD).

Cannabinoids may be naturally occurring (Phytocannabinoids) from plantssuch as cannabis, (endocannabinoids) from animals, and artificiallymanufactured (Synthetic cannabinoids).

Cannabinoids are cyclic molecules exhibiting particular properties suchas the ability to easily cross the blood-brain barrier, weak toxicity,and few side effects. Cannabis species express at least 85 differentphytocannabinoids, and are divided into subclasses, includingcannabigerols, cannabichromenes, cannabidiols, tetrahydrocannabinols,cannabinols and cannabinodiols, and other cannabinoids.

Cannabinoids found in cannabis include, without limitation: cannabigerol(CBG), cannabichromene (CBC), cannabidiol (CBD), tetrahydrocannabinol(THC), cannabinol (CBN) and cannabinodiol (CBDL), cannabicyclol (CBL),cannabivarin (CBV), tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV), cannabidivarin(CBDV), cannabichromevarin (CBCV), cannabigerovarin (CBGV), cannabigerolmonomethyl ether (CBGM), cannabinerolic acid, cannabidiolic acid (CBDA),Cannabinol propyl variant (CBNV), cannabitriol (CBO),tetrahydrocannabmolic acid (THCA), and tetrahydrocannabivarinic acid(THCV A).

In some embodiments, the active ingredient-containing compositioncomprises a flavouring agent. As used herein, the term “flavouringagent” refers to materials which, where local regulations permit, may beused to create a desired taste or aroma in a product for adultconsumers. They may include extracts (e.g., licorice, hydrangea,Japanese white bark magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, menthol,Japanese mint, aniseed, cinnamon, herb, wintergreen, cherry, berry,peach, apple, Drambuie, bourbon, scotch, whiskey, spearmint, peppermint,lavender, cardamom, celery, cascarilla, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot,geranium, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil,cassia, caraway, cognac, jasmine, ylang-ylang, sage, fennel, piment,ginger, anise, coriander, coffee, or a mint oil from any species of thegenus Mentha), flavour enhancers, bitterness receptor site blockers,sensorial receptor site activators or stimulators, sugars and/or sugarsubstitutes (e.g., sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame,saccharine, cyclamates, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol,or mannitol), and other additives such as charcoal, chlorophyll,minerals, botanicals, or breath freshening agents. They may beimitation, synthetic or natural ingredients or blends thereof. They maybe in any suitable form, for example, oil, liquid, or powder.

Further, the invention relates to a package comprising a productaccording to the previous disclosures.

By a package is meant a container capable of storing the at least twointerconnected pouches according to the previous disclosures.Preferably, the container is capable of storing a plurality ofinterconnected pouches, e.g. 10, 15 or 20 interconnected pouches, suchthat said pouches are disposed as an interconnected row/chain or arraywithin said package/container.

SHORT LIST OF THE DRAWINGS

In the following, example embodiments are described according to theinvention, where

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an active ingredient-containingproduct according to the invention,

FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of an active ingredient-containingproduct according to the invention,

FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of a plurality of activeingredient-containing products according to the invention,

FIG. 4 illustrates an array of an active ingredient-containing productaccording to the invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates a package comprising a product according to previousdisclosures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

In the following the invention is described in detail throughembodiments hereof that should not be thought of as limiting to thescope of the invention.

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an active ingredient-containingproduct 100 according to the invention. The product 100 comprises atleast two pouches 101, also referred to as pouch chambers,interconnected by means of a separation section 102.

Each of said pouches 101 encloses a composition, e.g. an activeingredient-containing composition (not shown). Each of said pouches 101has dimensions making it suitable for insertion into the mouth of theuser (buccal administration), e.g. a length or width in the order of 1-4cm. Further, two or more interconnected pouches 101 have combineddimensions likewise making them suitable for insertion into the mouth(buccal administration), such that the user may accommodate multipleinterconnected pouches 101 in his/her mouth. For example, a single pouch101 may contain an amount of an active ingredient-containing compositionless than what would be commonly used, e.g. less than what causes aneffect/medical response in most individuals. However, due to saidpouches 101 being interconnected according to the invention, the usermay choose to dispense more than one pouch, e.g. two or three pouches,depending on his/her tolerance for the enclosed nicotine-containingcomposition. Due to the interconnected nature, the pouches 101 may moreeasily be stored/accommodated in the mouth, e.g. without risk oflosing/swallowing. In fact, a single pouch 101 may be too small to mostindividuals, whereas two or more interconnected pouches would constitutea preferred size.

The pouches 101 are made of a water-permeable material 103 allowingliquid/water, or saliva of the mouth, to soak the composition enclosedby said pouches 101, thereby accelerating the release of components ofsaid composition, e.g. its active ingredients. Thus, the water-permeablematerial 103 allows water and components dissolved therein to passthrough, such that said components may be dissolved in the liquid orabsorbed by the user, e.g. into the blood vessels through themucosa/gums. On the other hand, the water-permeable material 103 has awet strength selected such that said material does not disintegrate oncesoaked with water/saliva, since such disintegration would cause theenclosed composition to enter the digestive system of the user, whichmay be harmful or not provide any effect at all. Preferably, thewater-permeable material 103 is made of a textile or paper-likemembrane.

A first cross-section A and a second cross-section B of the pouches 101are highlighted by dashed lines, illustrating the inner volume/chamber104 intended for accommodating the active ingredient-containingcomposition.

Each of said pouches 101 are divided by a separation section 102, e.g.formed by welding opposing sidewalls of the water-permeable material 103together, whereby said separation section 103 may be considered awelding section.

Dashed lines C indicate a possible continuation of the product 100,whereby said product 100 may comprise more than two interconnectedpouches 101, and such that each of said pouches 101 are mutuallyinterconnected to its neighbouring pouches by means of a separationsection 102, and such that said pouches 101 extend in a row.

FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of three embodiments of the product 100,where like elements according to FIG. 1 are provided with like referencenumbers. All embodiments illustrate a separation line 112 arrangedwithin the separation section 102. Preferably, said separation line 112comprises a row of perforations or holes made in the material used toform the separation section 102, said separation line 112 enablingdetachment of one pouch 101 from another by means of ripping. The dottedinner volume 104 illustrates the active ingredient-containingcomposition 105. In FIG. 2a , the separation section 102 and separationline 112 are straight, whereas FIG. 2b illustrates the case where saidseparation section 102 and separation line 112 are curved. The curvednature of the separation section 102 may ease the detachment or reducethe amount of material used. FIG. 2c illustrates two interconnectedpouches 101 separated by a separation section 102 being substantiallyshorter than a maximum width W of each pouch 101. Thereby, the amount ofmaterial used to separate each pouch 101 may be reduced. Further, theseparation may more easily be performed by the user.

FIG. 3 illustrates a row/chain of a plurality of interconnected pouches101 forming a product 100 according to the invention. In thisembodiment, opposing sides 101 a, 101 b of one pouch 101 are connectedto two other pouches 101 on likewise opposing sides 101 a′, 101 b′. Arow of a plurality of interconnected pouches 101 may for example bestored in a spiral fashion in a circular package/container (not shown,see FIG. 5a ).

FIG. 4 illustrates an array of interconnected pouches 101 forming aproduct 100 according to the invention. In this embodiment, neighbouringsides 101 a, 101 c of one pouch 101 are connected to two other pouchchambers on likewise opposing sides 101 a′, 101 c′, thereby forming anarray. An array may easily be stored in a package/container (not shown,see FIG. 5b ).

FIG. 5 illustrates two embodiments of a package/container 200 comprisinga product 100 according to previous disclosures. FIG. 5a illustrates acircular package 200 a having sidewalls 201, a bottom 202, and an openend 203 adapted to receive interconnected pouches 101 according to theinvention. The open end 203 is closable using a lid 204. For example,the interconnected pouches 101 may be stored in a spiral-like fashion,as indicated by the spiral in the figure. FIG. 5b illustrates aquadrangular package 200 b having the same features as the circularpackage of FIG. 5a (like features being equipped with like referencenumbers), said quadrangular package 200 b being capable of storing anarray of interconnected pouches 101 as illustrated in FIG. 4.

For ease of reference, these and further aspects of the presentinvention have been discussed under appropriate section headings.However, the teachings under each section are not necessarily limited toeach particular section.

Further Broad Aspects

According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided an activeingredient-containing product suitable for the release of an activeingredient, said active ingredient-containing product comprising anouter water-permeable pouch chamber containing an activeingredient-containing composition; wherein said pouch chamber isinterconnected to another pouch chamber containing the same or anothercomposition, thereby resulting in at least two interconnected pouchchambers each comprising a composition, wherein a separation sectionseparates one pouch chamber from another, and wherein each pouch chamberhas a length of from about 1 mm to about 40 mm and a width of from about3 mm to about 25 mm.

In some embodiments, each pouch chamber may have a width of from about 3mm to about 25 mm. In some embodiments, each pouch chamber may have awidth of from about 5 mm to about 20 mm, such as from about 10 mm toabout 20 mm, such as from about 10 mm to about 15 mm. In someembodiments, each pouch chamber may have a width of from about 5 mm toabout 15 mm.

In some embodiments, each pouch chamber may have a length of from about1 mm to about 40 mm and a width of from about 5 mm to about 20 mm. Insome embodiments, each pouch chamber may have a length of from about 1mm to about 40 mm and a width of from about 10 mm to about 20 mm. Insome embodiments, each pouch chamber may have a length of from about 1mm to about 40 mm and a width of from about 10 mm to about 15 mm. Insome embodiments, each pouch chamber may have a length of from about 1mm to about 40 mm and a width of from about 5 mm to about 15 mm.

In some embodiments, each pouch chamber may have a length of from about20 mm to about 40 mm and a width of from about 5 mm to about 20 mm. Insome embodiments, each pouch chamber may have a length of from about 25mm to about 40 mm and a width of from about 5 mm to about 20 mm.

In some embodiments, the thickness of each pouch chamber may be fromabout 2 mm to about 8 mm, such as from about 3 mm to about 7 mm, such asfrom about 4 mm to about 6 mm. In some embodiments, the thickness ofeach pouch chamber may be from about 2 mm to about 3 mm. In someembodiments, the active ingredient-containing product may be anicotine-containing product or a nicotine-free tobacco substituteproduct. In some embodiments, the active ingredient-containingcomposition may comprise nicotine. For example, the activeingredient-containing composition may comprise tobacco. In someembodiments, the active ingredient-containing composition may comprise anicotine-free tobacco substitute.

In some embodiments, the active ingredient-containing product accordingto this aspect includes any of the features as described hereinabove,with reference to the general description and detailed description.

According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided an activeingredient-containing product suitable for the release of an activeingredient, said active ingredient-containing product comprising anouter water-permeable pouch chamber containing an activeingredient-containing composition; wherein said pouch chamber isinterconnected to another pouch chamber containing the same or anothercomposition, thereby resulting in at least two interconnected pouchchambers each comprising a composition, wherein a separation sectionseparates one pouch chamber from another,

-   -   wherein said at least two interconnected pouch chambers comprise        a first and a second composition, respectively, wherein said        first composition is different from said second composition, and    -   wherein at least one of the first and second compositions        comprises nicotine or a nicotine-free tobacco substitute.

In some embodiments, the active ingredient-containing product accordingto this aspect includes any of the features as described hereinabove,with reference to the general description and detailed description.

The invention will now be described in further detail in the followingnumbered paragraphs:

-   1. An active ingredient-containing product suitable for the release    of an active ingredient, said active ingredient-containing product    comprising an outer water-permeable pouch chamber containing an    active ingredient-containing composition; characterised in that said    pouch chamber is interconnected to another pouch chamber containing    the same or another composition, thereby resulting in at least two    interconnected pouch chambers each comprising a composition and    wherein a separation section separates one pouch chamber from    another.-   2. A product according to paragraph 1, wherein said product    comprises at least three pouch chambers and wherein opposing sides    of one pouch chamber are connected to two other pouch chambers on    opposing sides.-   3. A product according to paragraph 1, wherein said product    comprises at least three pouch chambers and wherein neighbouring    sides of one pouch chamber are connected to two other pouch chambers    on neighbouring sides.-   4. A product according to paragraphs 1-3, wherein said separation    section comprises a separation line.-   5. A product according to paragraph 4, wherein said separation line    comprises a row of perforations or holes enabling detachment of the    one pouch chamber from the other pouch chamber by ripping.-   6. A product according to paragraphs 1-5, wherein said separation    section are made by welding opposite pouch surfaces together,    whereby the separation section is a welding section between    neighbouring pouch chambers.-   7. A product according to paragraph 6, wherein said welding section    are shaped ensuring an efficient separation and minimizing the area    of the separation section.-   8. A product according to paragraphs 1-7, wherein said at least two    interconnected pouch chambers comprise a first and a second    composition, respectively, wherein said first composition is    different from said second composition.-   9. A product according to paragraphs 1-8, wherein said first    composition is a flavor composition.-   10. A product according to paragraphs 1-9, wherein said product    comprises at least 10 interconnected pouch chambers comprising said    first and second interconnected pouches.-   11. A product according to paragraphs 1-10, wherein the active    ingredient-containing composition comprises nicotine.-   12. A product according to paragraphs 1-10, wherein the active    ingredient-containing composition comprises a nicotine-free tobacco    substitute.-   13. A product according to paragraphs 1-10, wherein the active    ingredient-containing composition comprises a medicament.-   14. A product according to paragraphs 1-10, wherein the active    ingredient-containing composition comprises an alkaloid.-   15. A product according to paragraphs 1-10, wherein the active    ingredient-containing composition comprises an essential nutrient.-   16. A package comprising a product according to paragraphs 1-15.

The various embodiments described herein are presented only to assist inunderstanding and teaching the claimed features. These embodiments areprovided as a representative sample of embodiments only, and are notexhaustive and/or exclusive. It is to be understood that advantages,embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and/or otheraspects described herein are not to be considered limitations on thescope of the invention as defined by the claims or limitations onequivalents to the claims, and that other embodiments may be utilisedand modifications may be made without departing from the scope of theclaimed invention. Various embodiments of the invention may suitablycomprise, consist of, or consist essentially of, appropriatecombinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts,steps, means, etc, other than those specifically described herein. Inaddition, this disclosure may include other inventions not presentlyclaimed, but which may be claimed in future.

REFERENCE NUMBERS

-   A First cross section-   B Second cross section-   C Continuation of Product 100-   W Width of Pouch 101-   100 Product-   101 Pouch-   101 a Side of Pouch 101-   101 a′ Opposing side of 101 a-   101 b Side of Pouch 101-   101 b′ Opposing side of 101 b-   101 c Side of Pouch 101-   101 c′ Opposing side of 101 c-   102 Separation section-   103 Water-permeable material-   104 Inner volume-   105 Active ingredient-containing composition-   112 Separation line-   200 Package-   200 a Circular package-   200 b Quadrangular package-   201 Sidewalls-   202 Bottom-   203 Open end-   204 Lid

1: An active ingredient-containing product suitable for the release ofan active ingredient, said active ingredients-containing productcomprising an outer water-permeable pouch chamber containing an activeingredient-containing composition; wherein said pouch chamber isinterconnected to another pouch chamber containing the same or anothercomposition, thereby resulting in at least two interconnected pouchchambers each comprising a composition, wherein a separation sectionseparates one pouch chamber from another, and wherein each pouch chamberhas a length of from about 1 mm to about 44 mm and a width of no greaterthan about 10 mm.
 2. The product according to claim 1, wherein saidproduct comprises at least three pouch chambers and wherein opposingsides of one pouch chamber are connected to two other pouch chambers onopposing sides.
 3. The product according to claim 1, wherein saidproduct comprises at least three pouch chambers and wherein neighbouringsides of one pouch chamber are connected to two other pouch chambers onneighbouring sides. 4: The product according to claim 1, wherein saidseparation section comprises a separation line. 5: The product accordingto claim 4, wherein said separation line comprises a row of perforationsor holes enabling detachment of the one pouch chamber from the otherpouch chamber by ripping. 6: The product according to claim 1, whereinsaid separation section are made by welding opposite pouch surfacestogether, whereby the separation section is a welding section betweenneighbouring pouch chambers. 7: The product according to claim 6,wherein said welding section are shaped ensuring an efficient separationand minimizing the area of the separation section. 8: The productaccording to claim 1, wherein said at least two interconnected pouchchambers comprise a first and a second composition, respectively,wherein said first composition is different from said secondcomposition. 9: The product according to claim 1, wherein said firstcomposition is a flavor composition. 10: The product according to claim1, wherein said product comprises at least 10 interconnected pouchchambers comprising said first and second interconnected pouches. 11:The product according to claim 1, wherein the activeingredient-containing composition comprises nicotine. 12: The productaccording to claim 1, wherein the active ingredient-containingcomposition comprises a nicotine-free tobacco substitute. 13: Theproduct according to claim 1, wherein the active ingredient-containingcomposition comprises a medicament. 14: The product according to claim1, wherein the active ingredient-containing composition comprises analkaloid. 15: The product according to claim 1, wherein the activeingredient-containing composition comprises an essential nutrient. 16:The product according to claim 1, wherein each pouch chamber has a widthof from about 3 mm to about 10 mm. 17: The product according to claim 1,wherein each pouch chamber has a length of from about 20 mm to about 40mm. 18: A package comprising a product according to claim 1.